Augusta, GA – In a move that underscores their commitment to education and community development, Augusta National Golf Club has announced a partnership with Tiger Woods, his nonprofit TGR Foundation, and the Richmond County School System to establish a TGR Learning Lab at the former Lamar Elementary School in Augusta. The Richmond County School Board voted in December 2023 to sell the property, setting the stage for the new educational initiative.

The collaboration was officially revealed during a press conference at Augusta National on Monday afternoon, attended by Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National, Shawnda Stovall, President of the Richmond County Board of Education, Dr. Malinda Cobb, Interim Superintendent of the Richmond County School System, and Jill Brown of First Tee Augusta.

In his remarks, Ridley emphasized the intentionality behind the selection of the location. “We’ve been extremely grateful for the enthusiasm and the partnership and cooperation of the school board,” Ridley said. “The fact that this was a vacant facility obviously made it a great candidate. And when you look at its location in the Harrisburg neighborhood, close to Richmond Academy and several other schools… it really made a lot of sense because it really needs to be near the people that it’s going to serve.”

The new TGR Learning Lab, slated for completion by 2028, will be the fourth of its kind. The flagship lab, founded in Anaheim, California, in 2006, was followed by additional labs in Philadelphia and plans for one in Los Angeles. The Augusta location, which will be housed in the former Lamar Elementary School, marks an exciting new chapter for the TGR Foundation’s educational outreach efforts.

While Woods was unable to attend the announcement in person due to an Achilles injury, he sent a pre-recorded message to express his excitement for the project. “What an honor to be here and to have this moment to be a part of Augusta National, but just in a different way,” Woods said. “To have the ability to design something that will impact the community.”

The TGR Learning Labs aim to provide students with a range of educational and extracurricular opportunities. The Philadelphia location, for example, boasts a 30,000-square-foot facility that includes classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a music recording room, a podcast studio, and a Full Swing golf simulator. These resources are intended to support students in areas such as academic achievement, health and well-being, and preparing for college and careers.

Ridley noted that the Augusta lab would be open to Richmond County’s approximately 30,000 students, with a particular focus on underserved populations. “It is free, it is open to many, many students — potentially up to 23,000 — and it really focuses on three things: academic achievement, health and well-being, and college and career opportunities,” Ridley explained.

The partnership is not just about creating a space for learning, but also about fostering a sense of community. The TGR Learning Lab’s location near the HUB and the Boys & Girls Club in the Harrisburg neighborhood ensures that it will serve as a central point for youth engagement in the area. The lab aims to provide a bridge between education and personal development, combining Woods’ passion for golf with a commitment to creating opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams.

The announcement of the TGR Learning Lab in Augusta comes alongside another exciting development: Woods will also take the lead in redesigning the Augusta Municipal Golf Course’s short course, known as “The Patch.” Ridley confirmed that the redesign is expected to be completed in time for the 90th Masters Tournament in 2026, further solidifying Woods’ ongoing influence in the Augusta community.

Woods’ vision for the TGR Learning Lab reflects his deep commitment to supporting youth through education and mentorship. “At the Learning Lab, we will provide opportunities for thousands of kids to learn, grow, and chase after their dreams for many years to come,” Woods said in a statement.

As the TGR Learning Lab prepares to take shape in Augusta, it promises to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for local students, helping them unlock their potential and pursue brighter futures. With the support of Augusta National, Woods, and the Richmond County School System, the initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the community for years to come.